Sheriff: Daycare worker says he victimized 12 young children

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CALDWELL, Idaho (KBOI ) - A Canyon County daycare worker has been charged with lewd conduct after he allegedly abused a 5-year-old at the facility he worked at.

The Canyon County Sheriff's Office arrested Joshua Curtis Ritchie.

Police say the investigation began when the child disclosed the alleged abuse to their parents. But police say Ritchie disclosed to them that there are up to 12 additional victims he sexually abused between the ages of 5-12.

Ritchie worked at Cornerstone Childcare and Daycare Center in Nampa where sheriff's officials say the alleged abuse occurred. Officials there had no comment but did say they are cooperating with police.

A spokesperson for the Nampa School District told KBOI-TV that Ritchie also worked as a kitchen staff substitute at Nampa schools. His current employment status with the district was not known.

In court, Richie's bond was set at $2.5 million and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 5. If he bails out, a judge ordered him to not have contact with any children and must stay 1,000 feet away from schools daycare facilities.